Midwest
Chicago schools slammed for delayed calendar, encouraging student attendance at DNC
Chicago’s school district is facing criticism for delaying the academic year start by a week — with detractors arguing that it’s a politically motivated move. Students were regularly scheduled to return to school on Monday.
The School Year 2025 (SY25) calendar published by the district depicted 176 full-student-attendance days, beginning Monday and ending June 12, 2025. In its reasoning for the delay, the district cited the Democratic National Convention (DNC) and its estimated 75,000 visitors drawn to the city.
The school district said that the respite will allow students the time to “attend, volunteer, and participate in the civic process of hosting the convention.”
That highlight irked several education experts and lawmakers, who also pointed out American Federation of Teachers (AFT) union boss Randi Weingarten was a featured keynote speaker during a Monday panel by the DNC Climate Council.
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Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz takes the stage on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Wednesday. (Reuters/Mike Segar/Pool)
“Join us for an electric meeting with Biden-Harris climate wins, new polling data, panels and presentations!” the advertisement for the breakout session read.
Doug Mayer, spokesman for the Public Labor Unions Accountability Committee, said Thursday that the Chicago district’s decision to delay the school year for the DNC is a “clear example of what happens when the Public Sector Unions gain too much power.”
“Instead of prioritizing students’ education, decisions are driven by political agendas,” Mayer said. “This overreach harms our kids and underscores the dangers of allowing unions to dictate what’s best for our students.”
CHICAGO TEACHERS UNION URGES STUDENTS TO ATTEND POLITICAL RALLY FOR ILLINOIS PRIMARY
Critics also highlighted education-related claims being made from the DNC dais itself.
House Assistant Democratic Leader Jim Clyburn of South Carolina was lambasted on X for claiming, “Thanks to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, we reopened our schools.”
Mayer’s group went further, publishing a new TV spot called “teacher’s pets” that labeled the Democratic ticket “champions” for the teachers unions’ agenda and “shutting kids out of school” during the pandemic.
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Rep. Darin LaHood, an Illinois Republican who represents the western exurbs of Chicago, said the city and teachers unions are placing their political interests above students.
That, he added, further makes the case for more school choice programs in the Land of Lincoln and nationwide.
“The hypocrisy of Chicago politicians and the teachers unions to keep students out of class to appease their friends at the DNC is astounding,” LaHood said. “Illinois students still lag behind because of Gov. JB Pritzker’s COVID lockdowns in 2020.” The governor characterized such restrictions as protecting students and the public.
The American Federation for Children’s Corey DeAngelis, who focuses on school choice and education issues, slammed the Windy City’s district over the situation:
“Chicago Democrats, owned by the control freaks at the teachers unions, continue allowing kids to be denied an education. They always put politics before the needs of children and their families,” said DeAngelis, who also works with the Cato Institute.
DeAngelis argued that the delayed calendar, coupled with suggestions that children be drawn into partisan politicking at the DNC, is why school choice is such an important issue.
“Parents should be able to take their children’s education dollars to schools that actually care about them. Only then will the school system have an incentive to do the right thing and cater to the needs of families as opposed to the other way around,” he said.
A source familiar with Chicago and its school system pointed out the district currently faces a reported $500 million deficit, and drew attention to press claims that teachers unions “govern” Chicago — as Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson was previously a local teachers union organizer.
In that regard, DeAngelis condemned Chicago politicians writ large for allowing “power-hungry teachers unions” to “lock kids out of school for years starting in 2020.”
“Now, they’re prioritizing their friends at the DNC over the kids. They’ll find any excuse to put kids last, and it’s a disgrace,” he said.
Johnson declined comment for purposes of this story.
Fox News Digital reached out to Weingarten, via the AFT, but did not receive a response.
Representatives for Chicago Public Schools also did not respond to a request for comment.
Read the full article from Here
Three children died after a boat capsized on Wisconsin’s Geneva Lake during inclement weather on the eve of the US’s semiquincentennial celebrations, and seven other people had to be rescued by emergency responders, according to officials.
A recreational motor boat with 10 passengers, including four children, sank on Friday afternoon as the boat “attempted to navigate to safety as weather conditions deteriorated” amid an intense, sudden storm, the city of Lake Geneva police department said in a statement.
First responders rescued one child and six adults – but three children were reported missing. They were later recovered yet pronounced dead after rescuers administered life-saving measures.
Officials confirmed that all four children were wearing lifejackets at the time of the capsizing, which officials said was a “reminder how quickly severe weather can develop on area waterways”.
“We strongly urge all boaters to closely monitor weather forecasts, remain vigilant of changing atmospheric conditions and seek safe harbor immediately when threatening weather approaches,” the police department said.
Police said the identities of the victims could not immediately be released as an investigation into the capsizing continued.
Lake Geneva officials declared a state of emergency due to Friday’s intense storm conditions.
Storm damage was reported throughout the Lake Geneva area, a popular destination for summer recreation. The small southern Wisconsin town draws tourists annually, particularly during the summer months, due to its proximity to Geneva Lake.
Harsh winds toppled trees and power lines, damaging buildings in the area, the local undersheriff Tom Hausner said during a news conference.
Hausner added that the officials received several 911 calls reporting damage as well as people trapped in buildings and seeking assistance. Hausner noted that deputies were delayed in responding to some calls due to fallen power lines and other debris.
“Power lines are all over the place. We are urging people to stay away,” Hausner said during the press briefing.
At least one person sustained minor injuries after being hit by a toppled trees.
Friday’s storm came as much of the US has otherwise experienced extreme heat heading into Saturday’s Independence Day holiday. An estimated 250 million people were told to expect to encounter dangerous levels of heat as temperatures soar nationwide amid the Fourth of July weekend marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the US Declaration of Independence from the UK.
As a team, the Detroit Lions have a ton to prove this season.
After taking a step back in 2025 for the first time in the Dan Campbell era, doubt is starting to creep in both within Detroit and from the national audience. It hasn’t been a splashy offseason, and with some drama surrounding the departures of Alex Anzalone, Taylor Decker, and Terrion Arnold, the vibes have certainly been off.
Proving the doubters wrong starts at an individual level, and there are plenty of Lions players who must use this season to turn their career around or show that they belong in Detroit.
So today’s Question of the Day is:
Which Lions player has the most to prove in 2026?
My answer: On offense, one name jumps to the top of the list for me: Christian Mahogany.
After his rookie season, it looked like the Lions may have found a gem in Mahogany. While he only played a handful of games, the fifth-round pick finished the season on a high note, projecting to be the team’s left guard of the future. Unfortunately, 2025 was filled with injuries and subpar play. Mahogany will have to compete with Ben Bartch and Miles Frazier just to win back his starting job, but the bar should be higher than that. He needs to prove he can be a potential high-end starter again, because the bar is very high when it comes to offensive line expectations in Detroit.
On defense, the list is much longer, but I think the most pressure is on Derrick Barnes. With Anzalone now gone, Barnes will be expected to not only be a full-time starter, but take on multiple roles. He needs to take his pass rush, coverage skills, and even edge setting to a new level and justify the three-year, $24 million extension he was given. If he succeeds, the Lions defense has a chance to bounce back in 2026. If he fails, it seems unlikely Barnes will reach the final year on his contract, which includes a hefty $6.145 million option bonus.
Which Lions players do you think have the most to prove in the 2026 season? Share your answers in the comment section below.
Every morning throughout Summerfest 2026, we’ll deliver a guide that covers the day’s entertainment and how you can get in the gate free of charge. This is where you’ll find info about the AmFam Amp headliners, eclectic picks from our knowledgeable staff and the music lineup for the day (see the full 2026 Summerfest lineup here).
Today at the AmFam Amp
Jelly Roll w/Tyler Hubbard, Three 6 Mafia, 7 p.m.
If you’re not familiar with the Jelly Roll Cinematic Universe, this must look like the weirdest lineup at the amphitheater during Summerfest 2026. You’ve got Mr. Roll himself at the top, with his swirl of country and rap that broke through in 2023 to the tune of two platinum-selling albums: Whitsitt Chapel and Beautifully Broken. Then there’s Tyler Hubbard, a comparatively straight-ahead country artist who’s found success solo and as a member of Florida Georgia Line.
Which brings us to Three 6 Mafia, the influential Memphis hip-hop group whose deep catalog of crunk and other rap subgenres left a huge mark on countless artists, including Jelly Roll. The Amp’s headliner has said Three 6 Mafia is one of the reasons he started rapping in the first place, and he’s collaborated with DJ Paul while appearing live with the group’s members frequently over the years. No doubt they’ll share the big stage tonight at some point.
Radio Milwaukee staff pick #1
Known Moons @ T-Mobile Stage, 2:30 p.m.
This reco is a “six degrees” situation that started back when I was in some mediocre (read: shitty) pop-punk bands that played with a group called Pleasant Street. Guitarist Nick Woods was part of that band and went on to other projects like Direct Hit!, which made the best punk albums of the mid-2010s. His Pleasant Street bandmate Danny Walkowiak is, in my opinion, among the best drummers in this or any generation. He’s now part of Milwaukee alt/dream-pop band Known Moons, another very good product of our city’s music scene. Go see them today.
— Jay Burseth
Radio Milwaukee staff pick #2
Soul Asylum @ Generac Power Stage, 5:30 p.m.
It was almost exactly a year ago that Soul Asylum’s Dave Pirner and Ryan Smith stopped by our HQ for a Studio Milwaukee Session and, in the process, reconfirmed my belief in the power of pioneering alternative bands.
Soul Asylum might have been the first one I hooked onto after reaching the age when I was musically mature enough to make responsible album-purchasing decisions, and those songs from Grave Dancers Union and Let Your Dim Light Shine still rattle around in my brain. Pirner and Smith were wonderful to watch last summer in our space, and it’ll be great to catch them again on the Big Gig’s final day.
— Brett Krzykowski
Radio Milwaukee staff pick #3
VALÉ & Gego Y Nony @ Aurora Pavilion, 3:15 p.m.
Barranquilla lands in Milwaukee with a lot of pop, R&B in a language I know all too well: Spanglish.
VALÉ, the 23-year-old Colombian artist now based in Los Angeles, has been busy releasing singles and EPs since 2021, building a collection of music that gets audiences dancing. This artist introduces moments of reggaeton within an electrifying pop beat, all while weaving between her native Spanish and English as she speaks on the pressures of love and family.
Headlining her first tour in November, this is a great chance to see VALÉ as she continues to rise in the world of Latin alternative. She also happens to be a great match for the duo following her on stage at the Aurora Pavilion: homegrown reggaetoneros Gego Y Nony.
Hailing from a family of percussionists, these brothers keep Puerto Rico and Milwaukee close to their heart as they sing, rap and compose their own music while leaning into the “new wave” of reggaeton, influenced by artists like R.K.M and Ken-Y. What makes this concert all the more exciting is the fact they’re from Milwaukee, which continues to be a place where artists’ unique styles, DIY spirit and community-centered focus shine. Expect love tracks (all clean — a plus for families), dancing and plenty of positive vibes.
— Paula Lovo
How to get in free today
Freedom on the Fourth Food Drive presented by Harley-Davidson
From noon to 3 p.m., the first 5,000 patrons who donate three nonperishable food items will receive one free admission ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only. All food will be collected at the Mid Gate entrance. Canned fruits and vegetables are especially appreciated. All donations benefit Hunger Task Force.
Summerfest schedule for Saturday, July 4
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
American Family Insurance House
- 4 p.m. — The Temper Trap
- 2 p.m. — Soul Asylum
BMO Pavilion
- 10 p.m. — Sam Barber
- 7:15 p.m. — Preston Cooper
- 5:30 p.m. — Palmer Anthony
Miller Lite Oasis
- 10:30 p.m. — Kerry King
- 8:30 p.m. — Sunami
- 6:45 p.m. — Drown the Lifeguard
- 5 p.m. — SIIN
- 3:15 p.m. — The Maiden Voyage
- 1:45 p.m. — Flatwounds
- 12:15 p.m. — Horizon
T-Mobile Stage
- 10:15 p.m — The Temper Trap
- 8:15 p.m. — Joywave
- 6:15 p.m. — Pure Hex
- 4:15 p.m. — Carolina Liar
- 2:30 p.m. — Known Moons
- 12:45 p.m. — The Last Bees
Generac Power Stage
- 10 p.m. — BoDeans
- 7:30 p.m. — The Jayhawks
- 5:30 p.m. — Soul Asylum
- 3 p.m. — Nicole Lawrence
- 1:30 p.m. — Ur Mom
- 12:15 p.m. — Oh Geeez, Not Again
Uline Warehouse
- 10 p.m. — Straight No Chaser
- 7:30 p.m. — Mindi Abair
- 5:30 p.m. — Jerry Harrison
- 3:30 p.m. — Poi Dog Pondering
- 2 p.m. — Porcupine
- 12:30 p.m. — Blaze Francisco
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
- 10 p.m. — Jonah Kagen
- 8 p.m. — John Vincent III
- 6 p.m. — KT Tunstall
- 4 p.m. — Elephonic
- 2:30 p.m. — Louie & The Flashbombs
- 1 p.m. — BERMS.
Aurora Pavilion
- 9 p.m. — Sad Boy Saturday
- 7 p.m. — Baha Men
- 5:45 p.m. — Tag Team
- 4:30 p.m. — Gego y Nony
- 3:15 p.m. — Valé
- 2 p.m. — Krusher (Rockonsin winner)
- 12:45 p.m. — Candy Cigarette (Rockonsin runner-up)
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